Uttarakhand Launches India’s First Astro Tourism Campaign “Nakshatra Sabha”: A Beautiful Dive into the Star-Studded Cosmos

Scheduled to commence in early June at the historical George Everest in Mussoorie, the campaign promises an array of immersive events continuing till mid-2025. 

May 3, 2024

By Ishika Kumar

Mussoorie: Under the vast canopy of twinkling stars, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, in collaboration with Starscapes, unveils “Nakshatra Sabha”, India’s pioneering annual astro-tourism initiative, a first of its kind. 

The campaign is designed to offer a holistic astro-tourism experience with a plethora of activities including stargazing, special solar observations facilitated by solar telescopes, astrophotography contests and immersive camping experiences under the stars, in various sites and locations picked for this very purpose, with a curated itinerary.

Under the Star-Lit Night Sky

Scheduled to commence in early June at the historical George Everest in Mussoorie, the campaign promises an array of immersive events continuing till mid-2025. These events are planned across various dark sky locales within the districts of Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Nainital and Chamoli. Each session aims to bring together astronomy enthusiasts, adventurers and travellers from around India and the globe to explore the celestial wonders which these places have to offer. They have been a place of serenity and stargazing since the very beginning. This initiative not only enhances and provides recognition to the place but also attracts tourism to towns.

“Uttarakhand, with its pristine forest cover and rich natural beauty, offers the perfect backdrop for stargazing and other astronomy-related activities. Our partnership with Starscapes aims to leverage these natural advantages to offer unforgettable experiences to astro-tourists,” said Sachin Kurve, Secretary of Tourism for the Government of Uttarakhand.

A Spectrum of Stellar Activities

“Nakshatra Sabha” is set to feature a variety of specialised equipment and trained guides to enhance the stargazing experience. The initiative also includes expert-led talks and seminars aimed at educating participants about astro-tourism and the universe at large.

One of the highlights of the campaign is the astrophotography contest, which invites participants to capture the mesmerising beauty of the night sky. The contest is coupled with attractive rewards, further incentivising participation and engagement.

Additionally, aligning with the sun’s peak activity and the ongoing Aditya mission, special solar telescopes will also be deployed to offer unique observation opportunities, providing insights into the solar phenomena.

Sustainable Astro-Tourism and Community Involvement

The broader vision of the “Nakshatra Sabha” campaign goes beyond tourism, aiming to foster local economic growth through professional training and skill development for residents. This initiative also seeks to cultivate a community of dark sky ambassadors dedicated to preserving the night skies across Uttarakhand.

Starscapes, along with local travel and tourism stakeholders and homestay owners, will provide continuous support and training. The collaboration intends to develop a region-wide dark sky preservation policy, which is anticipated to be implemented over the coming year. 

Ramashish Ray, Founder of Starscapes, shared his enthusiasm for the initiative: “Our previous events have shown a tremendous response, prompting us to establish ‘Nakshatra Sabha’ on a much grander scale. This not only positions Uttarakhand as a prime astro-tourism destination but also builds foundational community competencies essential for the sustainable growth of this niche yet burgeoning tourism sector.”

A Starry Invitation

This campaign not only highlights the natural and astronomical potential of Uttarakhand but also emphasises the state’s commitment to preserving and showcasing its celestial treasures. By integrating tourism with astronomy, “Nakshatra Sabha” sets a precedent for responsible and sustainable travel practices, making a clear statement that Uttarakhand is not just a place to visit, but a wonder to experience.

With its official kickoff at the iconic George Everest location in Mussoorie on 31st May, 2024, “Nakshatra Sabha” invites visitors from across the globe to embark on a journey that promises to be as enlightening as it is enchanting. Whether you’re an avid astronomer, an adventure seeker or simply a lover of natural beauty, this campaign offers something unique for everyone. 

The nights may be dark, but the future of astro-tourism in Uttarakhand is undoubtedly bright. People across India can travel to these sites from the nearest towns, like Dehradun or Rishikesh. It can be an exclusive trip or a fragment of your trip as the Ganges, mountains and valleys of the region offer a wide variety of activities, stays and adventures for all types of travellers, be it a staycation, vacation or an adventure to embark on. 

For more information and to be a part of this stargazing adventurist community, make sure to follow this link: https://starscapes.zone/nakshatra-sabha-2024/